KENNEWICK, Wash. – September 27, 2017 – Retired physician Scott Ferris knows all the warning signs for prostate cancer. So, when the 81-year-old began experiencing an urgency to use the bathroom more than usual, he went right to the urologist.

Following a series of tests, Ferris was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer. Rather than surgery, his urologist recommended that he undergo hormone treatment and radiation therapy. After doing some research of his own, Ferris found his way to Northwest Cancer Clinic, and Board Certified Radiation Oncologist and Integrative Oncologist, Brian Lawenda, M.D.

Ferris says it’s the best decision he ever made.

“I was impressed with both Dr. Lawenda’s clinical knowledge and his bedside manner. The entire staff at Northwest Cancer Clinic made this entire process less stressful, because of their extreme caring. Each person is treated like an individual, not a cancer patient,” said Dr. Ferris.

Ferris is completing his radiation treatments, and he wants to use his experience to warn other men to take care of their own health.

“Any man over the age of 45 should go and get a baseline Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. That way you can monitor your levels, and know right away if something is off. During my career as an occupational medical physician, I always recommended this to my patients. It isn’t something men like to do, but it can save your life. Also, pay attention to your own body. If you’re getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, or you’re urinating more frequently, these can all be signs of an underlying issue.”

“As with any cancer, catching it early is key. Even in its latest stages, when diagnosed and treated, prostate cancer has a 99 percent 5-year survival rate. However, we need patients to be vigilant, and get diagnosed before that cancer spreads to other organs,” says Dr. Lawenda.

21st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. As of March 31, 2017, the company operated 179 treatment centers, including 143 centers located in 17 U.S. states and 36 centers located in seven countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.